Recently, gummy vitamins have grown more popular in the supplement market. According to an analysis of Grand View Research, the world gummy market size will reach USD 52.24 billion by 2030. More companies now produce gummies for different purposes. This is a fun and convenient way to take vitamins. However, traditional pills still hold the largest market share. Now let’s explore these two forms and have a better understanding to choose them.
What are vitamin gummies?
Gummy vitamins are chewable supplements. They are made to look and taste like candies. These vitamins contain nutrients that support daily health, such as vitamins A, C, and calcium.
There are many types of gummy vitamins to choose from on the market. Some are for general health, while others focus on functions like hair and nail growth. There are also many flavors. Common ones include strawberry, orange, and lemon. These flavors help make gummies more attractive.
What are vitamin pills?
Vitamin pills are solid supplements that provide nutrients in a concentrated form. They have been used for many decades and are still popular. Unlike gummy vitamins, pills focus mainly on delivering nutrients in a stable and accurate way.
Vitamin pills are still popular because they have precise and consistent doses. Moreover, they usually last longer than gummies. Pills are also preferred by people who want sugar-free or low-calorie supplements. In addition, pills are standard choices in hospitals.
Five differences between gummy vitamins and pills
Ingredients
The ingredients in gummy vitamins and pills are quite different. Gummy vitamins contain nutrients mixed with other additives like sweeteners. They also contain flavor and colorings. These extra ingredients make them soft and tasty.
Pills are made mainly of active ingredients like vitamins and minerals. They do not require flavoring or coloring. So sometimes they may taste bitter and have unpleasant smells. People who want a clean formula often prefer a pill.
Various tastes and textures
They are the biggest difference between gummy vitamins and pills. Gummy vitamins are soft, chewy, and sweet. They are often flavored with colors and different tastes, similar to candy. It makes them taste good for both children and adults. In contrast, pills are plain and have no flavor. They must be swallowed with water. It may be difficult for old people or children
Dosage accuracy
Pills have more accurate and consistent nutrient doses. Each tablet or capsule contains a fixed amount of vitamins. They keep stable during storage and transportation.
Gummies, however, can differ slightly in dosage. Because they are made through heating, some nutrients break down or lose strength over time. This makes people harder to take the vitamin amount needed. So they are not a safe choice for those who need precise vitamins.
Shelf life
Pills last much longer than gummies. They are dry and stable, not easily affected by heat and moisture. But gummies are sensitive to temperature and humidity if not stored well. They can melt, harden, or lose nutrients. Therefore, gummies usually need to be kept in a cool and dry place.
Making process and equipment
Gummy-making process
Pills and gummies feature different manufacturing processes. The production of gummy vitamins is similar to candy-making. It requires a syrup mixture made of gelatin or pectin, water, sweeteners, and flavoring. Once the syrup is heated and blended, vitamins and minerals are added carefully. Then, the mixture is poured into molds shaped like bears and fruit. After cooling and solidifying, the gummies could be coated with a thin layer of oil or sugar to prevent sticking.
Common gummy manufacturing equipment used in this process include melting and mixing tanks, depositing machines, cooling tunnels, and demolding units. If you need sugar coating, coating drums are also required. For large factories, they always buy a gummy production line for smooth and efficient operation.
Pill manufacturing
Pill making is more focused on precision and stability. For tablets, the powders are first blended evenly, then compressed into solid shapes with the pill tablet press. Some tablets may need to be coated. Then, a tablet coating machine could be used.
For capsules, they allow the vitamins to be taken in powder or liquid form. Capsule-making requires a capsules filling machine or softgel-making equipment. They help fill the accurate amount of ingredients into capsules or softgels in different sizes. Fully automatic capsule fillers automate the whole process from filling to closing. But the models are the most expensive. If you run a small business, a manual or semi-automatic model is better.
FAQ
Are gummy vitamins as effective as pills?
Gummy vitamins can be effective, but they may not always match the accuracy and nutrient strength of pills. Pills usually contain a more precise and stable dose.
Do gummy vitamins absorb better than pills?
Not always. Both gummy vitamins and pills can be absorbed well by the body. The difference mainly depends on the formula and the person’s digestion. Gummies start breaking down in the mouth and dissolve faster in the stomach. It may help some people absorb nutrients a little more easily. Pills, especially tablets, take longer to dissolve but deliver nutrients in a stable and accurate form.
What’s better, gummy vitamins or pills?
Both gummy vitamins and pills can take effect. But it relies more on personal needs. Gummies taste pleasant, ideal for people who have trouble swallowing pills. However, they contain added sugar and may have lower vitamin levels.
Pills, on the other hand, provide more accurate doses. They also last longer, and usually contain no sugar. They are also more affordable and stable. In short, gummies are better for convenience and taste, while pills are better for dosage accuracy and long-term use.
Are pills more potent than gummies?
Yes, vitamin pills are usually more potent than gummies. Pills can hold higher amounts of nutrients. They are also more stable. The vitamins stay strong for a longer time during storage. Gummies may lose some nutrients during heating or over time, especially vitamins like C and B12. They are sensitive to heat and moisture. So, for people who need higher or more precise doses, pills are a more reliable option.
Is there a downside to taking gummy vitamins?
Yes, gummy vitamins have a few disadvantages. The biggest one people think is dosage. It features less accuracy of vitamins than pills. Because they often contain added sugar, this increases calorie intake and affects dental health. In addition, gummies can stick together or melt in warm weather. You need to keep them in cool place for storage.